I finally understand that if you live a good life, which includes education, adventure, sadness, love, happiness, and about four million other things, then you will change your friends along the way. This is not bad at all; it's natural. If you are the same exact person you were in high school, with zero life experience, still living in your childhood bedroom, and ditto for your best friend, then it is very likely that 50 years later you two are still best friends. But I've had an interesting life and I've had friends who hung around for 25 years, then left, and my closest friend these days I've known for eight years. In between, I've been friends with the parents of my children's friends, and when my kids move on, I often do too. I've had friends from grade school whom I lost touch with for 20 years and now I talk to them every day.
I was devastated when some of these friendships ended. Other times, it ended up being a relief. It was sometimes an end of an era, or just a stupid misunderstanding between otherwise reasonable people. But this is SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. Your friends should grow and change right along with you. If you've had a great friendship for 10 years, don't be sad when it's gone, be glad you had 10 great years. And for those of you who are still friends with your best kindergarten pal, be grateful everyday for such a unique blessing.
Enjoy your friends today, but be sure to keep an eye out for the another one you might meet tomorrow.